A bull was shot dead by police near Birmingham city centre today after escaping from an abattoir. Road closures were put in place after motorists reported sightings.

The bull is believed to have made a last dash for freedom from Mr Meat’s Wholesale, in Charles Henry Street, Highgate.

The animal ran around the streets for 45 minutes before being killed by firearms officers.

A vet was called in by police before the bull was destroyed, but it was considered too dangerous to tranquillise.

Police closed off the A435 Haden Way in both directions at 6.55am, with diversions put in place between the A4540 Belgrave Road and Edward Road.

Rolling road closures were also used as the bull ran around the streets.

It caused traffic hold-ups for commuters and shoppers heading into the city centre this morning or to nearby retail parks.

The animal was killed in Haden Way, about 1.4 miles from the abattoir.

West Midlands Police spokeswoman Catherine Preece said: “Police came across a bull on Haden Way, Balsall Heath, at 6.55am today, which had escaped from a nearby abattoir.

“Rolling road closures were put in place.”